Peking Acrobats flying high at the Keswick

If you enjoy an action-packed show that includes cultural beauty and vivid colors, you do not want to miss the Peking Acrobats.

Twenty of China’s most talented tumblers, acrobats, cyclists and contortionists will be at the Keswick Theatre on Sunday, March 3 at 3 p.m. with all new tricks, twists and incredible special effects.

Since their first appearance in the Western world in 1986, the Peking Acrobats have entertained sold-out audiences around the world. They perform treacherous feats of daring; they defy gravity with amazing displays of flexibility and control.

They push the envelope of human possibility with masterful skill, agility and grace. They have also redefined audience perceptions of what a Chinese acrobat is.

The show includes astonishing juggling and breathtaking balancing acts that showcase their high level of skill. There is no question that they are masters of agility and seemingly effortless grace.

The Peking Acrobats are often accompanied by live musicians playing traditional Chinese instruments and high-tech special effects that coalesce with the music and awe-inspiring feats to create an exuberant entertainment event featuring all the excitement and festive pageantry of a Chinese carnival.

According to Cynthia Hughes, a producer with the group, the Peking Acrobats are an elite company:

“The acrobats that perform as part of the Peking Acrobats are gleaned from over 100,000 professional acrobats in China. Our artistic director, Ken Hai, is a fourth-generation acrobat, who selects only the best acrobats to be part of the Peking Acrobats. And yes, being selected as a member of the Peking Acrobats is a great honor. Many acrobats in China vie for the chance to be selected to tour in this prestigious company.”

Hughes goes on to explain that every performer is a star in the show:

“The acrobats begin their training at 5-or 6-years old. They attend what would be similar to a magnet school here in the U.S., where they study their 3Rs in the mornings (reading, ’riting and ’rithmetic), and hone their acrobatic skills in the afternoon. They do this six days a week, as students attend school six days a week in China. By the time the students reach 15- or 16-years old, they have been training for 10 years or more, and are considered professionals.

“Sixteen is the age of emancipation in China,” Hughes explains, “so by the time the performers are 16-years old, it’s the same as being 18-years old here in the U.S., and they are considered adults.

“Everyone in the show are stars” Hughes insists. “The Peking Acrobats is an ensemble show, so all of the performers are standouts! The entire show is a highlight, and we celebrate the Chinese acrobatic form in its purest distillation in the Peking Acrobats.

“Those who have attended a performance by the Peking Acrobats before can be assured of new acts and fresh faces, with new twists on old favorites. The transference of joy between the performers and the audience in our live show is a thrilling theatrical experience and not to be missed.”

Costumes, colors and lights add to the visual appeal of the show.

“The costumes are made of beautiful silks and brocades, and are sequined and in bright colors,” Hughes says.

“The audience is in for a visual treat to add to the sensory experience of the Peking Acrobats, because the costumes are truly like something out of a museum of Chinese culture.”

The Peking Acrobats have traveled over most of the world. Hughes rattles off a list of places: “Canada, Mexico, England, Belgium, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Italy, New Zealand, several cities in South America, and many other countries. “Just before this tour, the Peking Acrobats concluded their sixth European Tour, before coming to the U.S. to perform in this, their 27th North American Tour.”

Hughes explains the origin of the company: “IAI Presentations’ president, Don Hughes, and our artistic director, Ken Hai, created the concept of the Peking Acrobats, to bring Chinese culture to the West and to create understanding between China and Western people.”

The one-hour weekday general admission performances are perfect field trips for schools, an outing for your pre-schooler or a perfect afternoon for seniors when combined with lunch afterwards at Queen Chinese restaurant on Keswick Avenue.

If You Go: Peking Acrobats will perform at the Keswick Theatre, Easton Road and Keswick Avenue, Glenside,Sunday, March 3, 3 p.m.; Monday, March 4, 10:15 a.m.,